CanSkate
CanSkate is Skate Canada’s official learn-to-skate program and has been designed to address the development of skating skills and elements in preparation for all ice sports. It is highly regarded by other ice sport organizations as the favoured curriculum to develop the skills needed to participate in their sports. It is also an excellent program to teach everyone to skate for the joy of skating at any age or ability. Skaters will be introduced to elements in three Fundamental areas. These Fundamental areas are the ABCs of skating: Agility, Balance and Control. The elements to be taught include forward skating, backward skating, stopping, turning, and jumping. The skaters will also be introduced to elements to assist in developing speed, flexibility, and power.
The philosophy of learn-to-skate is to provide opportunities for everyone to learn how to skate in fun, safe, and engaging environments and to evoke interest for life-long participation. The CanSkater’s learning environment is enhanced through fun, music, teaching aids and props, along with praise and group/individual feedback from coaches. Program Assistants (PAs) also provide additional motivation, enthusiasm, fun and support to skaters.
Rideau Lakes is a proud member of the Skate Ontario CanSkate Excellence Recognition Program at the EXCEEDED standard.
Rideau Lakes offers a CanSkate program for all levels and ages:
Pre-CanSkate (Ages 3 & 4)
This 30-minute class is designed for preschool aged children (ages 3 and 4) who have little or no skating experience.
CSA Approved Hockey Helmets are required for all participants in this program.
About Pre-CanSkate
Pre-CanSkate groups are a component of CanSkate. Pre-CanSkate participants work on the essentials needed to move safely and effectively on the ice, allowing them to rotate to the different learning stations. There are eight basic elements designed to prepare skaters for Stage 1 of CanSkate:
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Fall down & get up
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Balance on two feet
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Move forwards
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Make Snow
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Move backwards
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Two-foot twist
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360 degree march
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Two-foot jump
Once a Pre-CanSkate participant achieves their Pre-CanSkate ribbon they will move onto our 50-minute class (note there is a pro-rated cost increase at this point). This may require them to change groups or remain in the same group depending on the session and how other skaters are progressing in their group.
All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmet. Waterproof pants or snow pants are recommended as skaters may spend some time sitting on the ice and or falling.
CanSkate (Ages 4-11)
This 50-minute class is designed for children (ages 4 to 11 from first steps to Stage 3 or 4.
CSA Approved Hockey Helmets are required for all participants in this program.
About CanSkate
Our CanSkate program will offer skaters the opportunities to build strong skating basics for an on ice sport. Skaters will be placed in small groups and encouraged to learn and advance by working through each of the stations at their own pace. Skaters are grouped according to age and skill level and may change groups from time to time during the program.
Speed, flexibility, and solid basics are the most important aspects to be trained for the skater in this stage. This is accomplished by ensuring increased movement on the ice, using strategies such as circuits, Fast Track, effective warm-ups and cool downs. Providing good element progression circuits where the elements recur on several stages to develop the element to a higher level of proficiency at each level is essential.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 2 they are eligible to move to our Advanced CanSkate program.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 4 they are eligible to move to our PowerSkate program.
All participants are required to provide their own skates and CSA approved hockey helmet. Waterproof pants or snow pants are recommended as skaters may spend some time sitting on the ice and or falling.
Teen/Adult CanSkate (Ages 12+)
This 50-minute class is designed for skaters ages 12 and older from first steps to Stage 5 of CanSkate.
CSA Approved Hockey Helmets are required for all participants in this program.
About Teen/Adult CanSkate
Our Teen/Adult CanSkate program gives skaters ages 12 and older the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of skating at a pace and in an environment that supports the social connections and sense of community needed to thrive as a teen/adult skater.
While the ice surface is shared with our Advanced CanSkate program, the Teen/Adult CanSkate with travel through circuits on the ice learning at their own pace and with only teen/adult skaters on their circuit.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 2 they are eligible to move to our Advanced CanSkate program.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 4 they are eligible to move to our PowerSkate program.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 5 AND is 18 years of age or older they are eligible to move to our Adult STARSkate program.
Advanced CanSkate (Stage 3-6) - formerly Intro to StarSkate
This 50-minute class is designed for skaters working on Stage 3-6 of the CanSkate program.
CSA Approved Hockey Helmets are required for all participants in this program unless they have completed ALL 3 ribbons in Stage 5.
About Advanced CanSkate
Advnaced CanSkate continues to build on the strong basics of out other CanSkate programs. Skaters are focusing on forward and backward crosscuts, edge and turn development. Skaters will begin learning more sport focused skills as they progress through the Advanced CanSkate program. The more time a skater spends on the ice, the more chance for progression! Skaters benefit from working together in a group environment.
- Once a skater has completed Stage 4 they are eligible to move to our PowerSkate program.
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Once a skater has completed Stage 6 they are eligible to move to our Junior program.
